Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, has raised concerns about villa supply as part of his real estate policy. However, statistics reveal that the proportion of villas in Seongdong District, where he served as district chief for 12 years, is among the lowest in Seoul. In contrast, the proportion of apartments in Seongdong District exceeds the city average significantly.
According to analysis from the National Statistical Office obtained by Aju Economy, as of 2024, the proportion of multi-family and villa units in Seongdong District stands at 9.9%, the second lowest after Nowon District at 8.8%. This figure is less than half of the Seoul average of 21.4%. Other districts with low villa proportions include Yeongdeungpo (10.0%), Dongdaemun (12.4%), and Gangnam (14.3%).
Conversely, the proportion of apartments in Seongdong District is 54.0%, significantly higher than the Seoul average of 44.4%. Only seven of the 25 districts in Seoul have apartment proportions exceeding 50%. Nowon District leads with 78.4%, followed by Gangnam (62.2%), Seocho (58.1%), and then Seongdong. Other districts with high apartment proportions include Gangdong (50.3%) and Songpa (50.1%).
In response, a representative from Oh Se-hoon’s camp criticized Jung, stating, "The 9.9% villa proportion in Seongdong District indicates a lack of available land for new villas or that existing low-rise residential areas have already been redeveloped into apartments. Jung is completely unaware of the realities in Seongdong District when discussing villa supply."
The representative also pointed out that the surge in housing prices in Seongdong District is linked to the low villa proportion and high apartment ratio.
Previously, Jung had identified villa supply as a key component of his real estate strategy. During a meeting with Seoul's district mayor candidates on May 4, he challenged Oh, asking, "Why didn’t you prepare for the soaring rents during your five years in office?" He noted that issues related to apartment redevelopment and reconstruction take 10 to 15 years, which he partially agreed was not solely his responsibility.
Jung added, "The rental issue can be addressed within 2 to 3 years through supply via villas, officetels, and residential-type lodging facilities."
Meanwhile, Oh also responded to Jung's comments on villa supply. On the previous day, he appeared on BBS Buddhist Broadcasting's "Kim Tae-seop’s Morning Journal" and remarked, "If Jung becomes mayor for four years, he will focus on villas since apartments take a long time to develop. However, villas are constructed by the private sector, not the city."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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